News
Judge Slams Bash Ali for Wasting Court’s Time, Dismisses ₦500bn Extortion Suit Against Sunday Dare
By Joel Ajayi
An Abuja High Court has struck out a ₦500 billion suit filed by former world boxing champion Bash Ali against former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, and the Federal Government, over his proposed Guinness World Record boxing bout.
The judgment, delivered on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, by Honourable Justice U.P. Kekemeke, ruled that the case was frivolous, statute-barred, and amounted to a waste of judicial time. The court found no legal basis for Bash Ali’s claims, describing the action as an abuse of court process and driven by malice.
Justice Kekemeke upheld a preliminary objection filed by the legal team of the former Minister, led by Bode Olanipekun and Festus Keyamo Chambers, and subsequently dismissed the case in its entirety.
The court noted that Bash Ali and his legal team failed to submit critical documents on time, particularly those required to establish the Federal Government’s official involvement in the much-publicized fight.
Justice Kekemeke emphasized that the delay and procedural lapses in the filing process weakened the credibility of the case. Consequently, the court had no option but to dismiss the suit.
A Pattern of Unfounded Allegations: For over five years, Bash Ali had repeatedly accused Sunday Dare and other former sports ministers of sabotaging his Guinness World Record fight ambitions. He alleged extortion, official sabotage, and conspiracy involving $12 million and ₦13 million—claims the court found to be unsubstantiated.
Key facts revealed during the proceedings include: On the $12 million allegation: Mr. Dare was never involved in any meeting or transaction related to the purported sum. He was not in office at the time the alleged event took place and treated no related file during his tenure.
On the ₦13 million “extortion” claim: Court documents revealed that Bash Ali had previously won a ₦28 million judgment against former Minister Solomon Dalung for battery (Suit No. CA/A/893/2017).
Upon assuming office, Mr. Dare reviewed the file and oversaw an out-of-court settlement where all parties agreed to a ₦15 million payment—signed and executed on May 20, 2020, with receipts provided. Bash Ali’s claim of ₦13 million being extorted is, in fact, the difference between the original award and the negotiated settlement.
On halting the Guinness Fight: The Ministry, upon reviewing past records and guided by the stance of previous administrations—including a caution from former President Muhammadu Buhari—chose not to endorse or sponsor the bout. A letter dated January 7, 2020, titled “Re: Bash Ali’s Guinness World Boxing Project” and signed by the Director of Legal Services, Mr. Mohammed, clearly warned Ali against spreading misinformation about government involvement.
A Long History of Accusations: This is not the first time Bash Ali has turned to the courts against top sports officials. He has made similar allegations against at least five former Ministers of Sports over nearly two decades, none of which have led to the realization of his Guinness Record bout.
Despite persistent efforts to push the project across five different presidential administrations, his proposal has never received full official endorsement, casting doubts on its legitimacy.
The judgment marks a significant blow to Bash Ali’s long-running campaign and reaffirms the position of the Federal Government and former Minister Sunday Dare, who had consistently maintained that there was no official agreement to sponsor or organize the fight.
With this ruling, the court has not only struck out the case but also effectively brought an end to what it described as a baseless and vindictive legal battle.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured6 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
